Korean Lettuce Wrap

I’ve always loved Korean food. Going to Korean BBQ spots is one of my favorite experiences — the sizzling beef, the endless side dishes, and the fresh lettuce leaves you use to wrap it all up. What I appreciate most is how efficient Korean food is with vegetables. Lettuce wraps transform a simple protein into something vibrant, healthy, and full of flavor. That’s exactly the inspiration for these Korean lettuce wraps — a lighter take that’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal.

Korean Lettuce Wrap

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• For the beef:
• 1 lb thinly sliced beef or ground beef, if preferred
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil
• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
• 2 green onions chopped
• ½ tsp black pepper
• For the sauce:
• 2 Tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste
• 1 Tbsp miso paste
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 green onion finely sliced
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
• For the wraps:
• 12 large lettuce leaves green leaf or butter lettuce
• ½ cucumber sliced into thin sticks
• ½ cup pickled radish slices
• ½ cup carrot matchsticks
• ½ cup kimchi optional, for spice

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, green onions, and black pepper.
2. Add the beef and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the beef and cook until browned and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, stir together gochujang, miso paste, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and green onion until smooth.
6. Place beef into lettuce leaves.
7. Add cucumber sticks, pickled radish, and carrot matchsticks.
8. Top with kimchi if using.
9. Drizzle with sauce and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
10. Wrap, fold, and enjoy immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Vegetable-focused: Lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, and radish make it naturally lighter and diabetic-friendly.
• Customizable: Works with thinly sliced beef, ground beef, or even chicken.
• Bold flavors: Soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and gochujang create authentic Korean taste.

Diabetes-Friendly Nutrition Benefits

One of the most important parts of managing diabetes is balancing your meals with protein and fiber:

• Protein (from beef, chicken, or even tofu if you swap) helps stabilize blood sugar by slowing digestion and keeping you full longer.
• Fiber (from lettuce, cucumber, radish, and carrots) supports steady blood sugar by slowing glucose absorption and adding satiety.

That’s why lettuce wraps are such a win — you get both lean protein and plenty of fiber in a simple, delicious recipe.